Apocalypse without God
Apocalyptic Thought, Ideal Politics, and the Limits of Utopian Hope

Explains why apocalyptic thought, despite often being dismissed as bizarre, has persistent appeal in political life.

Ben Jones (Author)

9781316517055, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 April 2022

200 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 1.8 cm, 0.493 kg

'In this engaging book, Ben Jones revisits the long history of apocalyptic thought in order to explain its persistent appeal. Where some theorists separate religion and secular theory, Jones shows that religious traditions can enrich political reflection today. With lucidity and insight, he describes a circumspect hope that sustains the struggle for justice in an uncertain world.' David Newheiser, Australian Catholic University and author of Hope in a Secular Age

Apocalypse, it seems, is everywhere. Preachers with vast followings proclaim the world's end. Apocalyptic fears grip even the nonreligious amid climate change, pandemics, and threats of nuclear war. As these ideas pervade popular discourse, grasping their logic remains elusive. Ben Jones argues that we can gain insight into apocalyptic thought through secular thinkers. He starts with a puzzle: Why would secular thinkers draw on Christian apocalyptic beliefs – often dismissed as bizarre – to interpret politics? The apocalyptic tradition proves appealing in part because it theorizes a relation between crisis and utopia. Apocalyptic thought points to crisis as the vehicle to bring the previously impossible within reach, offering resources for navigating challenges in ideal theory, which involves imagining the best, most just society. By examining apocalyptic thought's appeal and risks, this study arrives at new insights on the limits of utopian hope. This title is available as open access on Cambridge Core.

Introduction
Part I. Secular Apocalyptic Thought: 1. The hazards of studying secular apocalyptic thought
2. The paradox of secular apocalyptic thought
Part II. Historical Case Studies: 3. Apocalyptic hope's appeal: Machiavelli and Savonarola
4. Tempering apocalyptic ideals: Hobbes and pretenders to God's kingdom
5. Reimagining God's kingdom: Engels and Müntzer
Part III. Implications for Ideal Theory: 6. Ideal theory as faith
7. Limiting the dangers of Utopian hope
Conclusion
Appendix: Argument against ideal theory's plausibility
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Regional government [JPR], Politics & government [JP], Society & social sciences [J]